Volunteering in Ecuador

Our Volunteer work in Ecuador is ideal for anyone who wants a choice of projects and innumerable opportunities off the beaten tourist trail. After your arrival you will have time to settle in to this incredible country of lush subtropical valleys and snow capped volcanoes.

Your Volunteering in Ecuador starts on arrival in Quito with an informal chat with the programme coordinators to match up your preferences from the options available from the very long list of available projects throughout Quito and Ecuador. Volunteer Projects in Ecuador are flexible and new placements can be easily added on or changed as you gain in confidence and are ready to move on although most voluntary work in Ecuador usually starts with a project or two in Quito. Maybe you will start teaching English to some of the poorest children in Quito. Or perhaps you would like to get involved with a music, art or dance based project.

For longer stay volunteers, with some basic Spanish (for complete beginners or those wanting to brush up their Spanish, classes can be provided on arrival in Quito) you will have an opportunity after completing your first volunteer project in Ecuador were doors can open to more remote projects from coastal conservation to Indian jungle communities. Our Volunteer projects are the ideal option to access a softly structured flexible programme for anyone who does not want to have it all mapped out before they arrive. By choosing our volunteer work in Ecuador you can create your own experience as you gain in confidence and look for fresh adventures  with the assistance and support of the local placement organisors.

What's included in this programme

Volunteer accommodation in hostel/home stay. Volunteer coordinators are easily reached for assistance should you need it.

Other opportunities are available for longer stay volunteers with a basic grasp of Spanish or after a week or two's classes. These include conservation projects and cultural exchange projects in remote forest communities far from the beaten track and conservation and beach cleaning in small coastal villages. Spanish classes can be arranged after arrival.

Ecuador at a glance

As its name indicates, Ecuador sits astride the equator in South America. It's relatively tiny size belies its staggering geographical diversity-from the heights of the snow-capped Andean peaks down to the remote Amazon rainforest. The landscape is complemented by the colourful textiles and traditional costume still worn by rainforest Indians and highlanders alike.

Ecuador is compact and easy to get around. While not all roads are paved, they are almost invariably scenic and interesting...

Climate: There are two main seasons, wet and dry. The rainy season in the jungle lasts April-June, Quito at 2580m can have four seasons in one day. Festivals: Dia de Quito, 6 December. Inti Raymi, June. Yamor, September. Mama Negra, November.

Time difference from UK: -5hrs GMT